Feeling trapped and about to lose my job

[Yami]

I don't know why but I think I'm starting to develop social anxiety. I've been a shy person and I get intimidated when I try to talk to my co-workers. I can talk freely with my friends but not here. I also have depression, I can't talk in front of group of people and I always have a dull, depressive expression on my face.

 

Most of the times, I feel like I don't have social skills. always feel stressed, anxious, depressed. I want to talk to people but I feel awkward and they feel awkward with me because I make weird faces. If I don't talk to them, I feel even more depressed.

 

I just started my internship and it's been a week and they already think I'm shy and weird. I don't talk with them because they are elder than me. My HR told me I always look stressed and uneasy and I heard her saying I'm shy and have a bad impression of me.

 

I have to make presentations here and I feel like I will make a fool out of myself. I really want to feel relaxed, outgoing and make friends.

[d0nnivain]

Your bosses don't care if you are shy or weird. They care that you get the job done, period. So relax on that score.

 

The new person is often shy at first so don't sweat that either. Force yourself to say good morning but beyond that you are not obligated to be anything other than professional. My 1st job. . . I was an early 20 something woman who worked with a group of middle aged married men. The last thing I wanted to do was socialize with them. I was pleasant in the office; perhaps spent a few minutes talking about life (what did you do this weekend?") but that was it. Nothing more was required. During the year I worked there, I never even ate lunch with them, not once. It was still fine.

 

As for your presentations, everybody gets nervous public speaking. Prepare as well as possible. Rehearse what you are going to say & just go for it. Perhaps take a speech com class or join ToastMasters which is a group dedicated to improving public speaking skills. It also helps with socialization.

 

Enjoy your internship.